noun

oxidation

ok-sih-DAY-shun

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Oxidation (noun) means a chemical reaction in which a substance loses electrons; in everyday terms, the reaction of a material with oxygen, as when iron rusts or a cut apple browns. Example: “Oxidation turns the exposed metal a dull orange within days.”

noun

A chemical reaction in which a substance loses electrons; in everyday terms, the reaction of a material with oxygen, as when iron rusts or a cut apple browns.

"Oxidation turns the exposed metal a dull orange within days."

"A squeeze of lemon slows the oxidation of the avocado."

In food, drink and cosmetics, the deterioration of a product through contact with air, changing its colour, smell or taste.

"The wine had suffered oxidation and tasted flat and nutty."

"Vitamin C serums are packaged in dark bottles to limit oxidation."

How to use oxidation

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishWhat happens when something reacts with the air, like metal rusting or fruit browning.

When to use it

Technical in chemistry, but everyday in cooking, wine and skincare contexts.

Memory tip

'Oxidation state' is a bookkeeping number for electrons, not a description of how oxidised something looks.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

reduction → corrosion → fermentation → rancidity

Common pairings

prevent oxidation oxidation state oxidation and reduction signs of oxidation

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “oxidation” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ turns the exposed metal a dull orange within days.

Etymology

From oxide, coined in French from Greek oxys 'sharp, acid' and the ending of acide, plus the noun ending -ation. Oxygen was originally named as the supposed acid-forming element.

Origin: French

Synonyms

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rusting corrosion tarnishing oxidization oxidisation

Antonyms

reduction

Related words

increase addition reduce saving reduction discount decrease elevation

Rhymes for oxidation

region billion ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation abortion abrasion diffusion elocution extension

See all rhymes for oxidation →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between oxidation and reduction?

Oxidation is the loss of electrons and reduction is the gain of them. They always happen together, since the electrons one substance loses another must gain, which is why the pair is called a redox reaction. The mnemonic is OIL RIG: oxidation is loss, reduction is gain.

Does oxidation always involve oxygen?

No. Oxygen is the commonest oxidising agent and gave the process its name, but the modern definition is purely about losing electrons. Iron reacting with chlorine is oxidation with no oxygen present at all.

Why do cut apples go brown?

Enzymes in the flesh react with oxygen in the air and produce brown pigments. Acid such as lemon juice slows the enzyme, and so does keeping the surface away from air with water or wrapping.

What is the meaning of oxidation?

"oxidation" (noun) means a chemical reaction in which a substance loses electrons; in everyday terms, the reaction of a material with oxygen, as when iron rusts or a cut apple browns.

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